ABC lays off ‘Work it’

Controversial sitcom replaced after two episodes

ABC has dropped controversial and critically panned sitcom ”Work It” from its schedule after two airings.

This past Tuesday, ”Work It” drew a 1.6 rating and 5 share among those 18-49 and 4.8 million viewers overall, approximately a 30% drop from its ”Last Man Standing” lead-in and a 20% drop from the previous week.

”Work It” had also been assailed on its content on multiple fronts, including those who felt it was insensitive to the transgender community.

“While many of ABC’s positive and groundbreaking portrayals of LGBT people have been critical and popular successes, the public had little interest in this outdated show,” GLAAD senior program and communications director Herndon Graddick said. “As a result of this campaign, an important dialogue has been started in Hollywood and mainstream media about the real discrimination faced by transgender people today.”

Women’s advocacy groups and members of the Puerto Rican community have also criticized the show’s premise and jokes.

ABC will air ”Last Man Standing” repeats in the 8:30 p.m. Tuesday timeslot for the time being. Veteran comedy ”Cougar Town” remains on the Alphabet net bench waiting to return to the network’s lineup.

”Work It” is the second new show to meet the axe after failing to hold the ”Standing” aud. ”Man Up” lasted eight episodes from October through December, also drawing 4.8 million viewers overall for its final episode (Dec. 6).

Exec produced by Andrew Reich and Ted Cohen (”Friends,” ”Rules of Engagement”), ”Work It” was produced by Bonanza Prods. in association with Summer School Prods. and Warner Bros. Television. Ben Koldyke and Amaury Nolasco starred.